My birthday is the 5th, so I’ve always felt that the Fourth of July is my holiday. As a child, in fact, I decided that the fireworks were for me.
I’ve spent the holiday in so many different places. One year, my husband and I climbed Mount Washington in New Hampshire, and watched the holiday fireworks from above. Another, we were in Scotland, and the day was just like any other. In my childhood, we were often at my father’s family camp in western Michigan.
Here are some of my favorite things to do on the Fourth.
Fireworks
I know many communities don’t do them any more, but I do love them so. If I were spending the holiday in a city, I’d be torn between Boston and the Pops and New York’s display sponsored by Macy’s. We however will be in central Vermont, enjoying the display in Woodstock.
A Boat Cruise
Near a body of water? Get on a boat. Any sort of boat will do, but here are some of the trips we’ve done in the Northeast over the years. Some on the holiday weekend, some at other times of the year.
Boston: Normally, the USS Constitution does its turnaround cruise on the 4th, but it won’t be doing a public cruise this year due to refurbishment. You can however take a cruise of the harbor that ends at the ship and museum. You can disembark for the tour, and then get back on a later return voyage.
Doug on the USS Constitution
New York: Manhattan never looks better than from a deck of a boat. A few years ago, we did a tour that went around the whole island. My memory is a bit foggy, but I think it was the Circle Line. Check out their various sightseeing options.
Burlington, VT: Last summer, we celebrated my birthday on a Lake Champlain dinner cruise. I just about lost it when my son worked a deal with the DJ to sing me happy birthday.
Sunset on Lake Champlain
What we’ll be doing
We’ll probably check out the activities at Billings Farm in Woodstock, have a family cook-out and then go to the fireworks. A typical small town Fourth.
I’m hoping that the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park will have the scheduled tour of the Fallout Shelter on Sunday morning before we drive home.